Why won't the front axle screw in?

[Guest goosesport]

So I've got the new 014's mounted. Noticed that the front axle was a bit hard to remove so took care reinstalling. No go so I cleaned up the threads with tap and die. The axle alone goes in with fingers. BUT try and try again, I cannot get the axle to thread in with the wheel.

 

It's a 2001 with the Marzocchi forks.

 

Is there a trick I don't know? What should I check?

 

lb in Hampshire

[big J]

Erm.........is this a trick question?

[callison]

Will it thread in without the wheel? If so, take the wheel and make sure the spacer is centered on the holes on both sides, then try assembling the whole thing. You should put something under the wheel to keep it up and aligned with the axle holes in the forks too. Holding the wheel by hand is possible, but not the most accurate or easiest way to accomplish the task.

[Guest goosesport]

No it wasn't a trick question and yes there is a trick that I didn't think of. A mighty whack with the rubber mallet successfully seated the screw threads on the fork and the axle. I'm sure Homer would have thought of it right away. Now it threads in without undue effort. Where's that torque wrench?